I first started spending extended time here because of SAD disorder. I get depressed in the dark and the cold.
I've never had a D deficiency or any deficiency for that matter, thank god. But I've also been a sun slave most of my life.
Growing up on the beach it was de-riguer to go out late and sleep on the beach and then wake and bake (in more than one sense of the word). Being a light skinned redhead I did myself no favors. No skin cancer or growths - but I would burn and as I got older the wrinkies showed up.
I am very diligent about my sun exposure here. My routine is early morning sun - when I wake up at around 6:30am until about 10:00am when my porch gets too hot. If I've been out on a boat or have spent the full day in the sun I give myself a day off. Over a period of three months I gradually decrease the SPF in both my face and body sunscreens in increments but if I'm out on a boat for example I'll always use the max (70SPF on face, 45SPF on bod).
The result - a fantastic tan that lasts me well into the spring. It doesn't look fake or sprayed on or like I layed out for weeks on end - very natural.
And I'm happy as a lark and that lasts me throughout the year.
I feel my healthiest when I'm here - natural foods and I truly eat what I want. I lose weight, tone up...yup, Jamaica can be very good for ya! Even when I drink and smoke more than I do at home!